Lincoln Community Foundation, in partnership with Lincoln Littles and Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, will host the fourth annual Lincoln Littles Giving Day on February 9. The giving day will raise funds for tuition assistance, allowing more children from working, lower-income families to access quality early childhood education programs. Launched in 2019 and inspired by the Prosper Lincoln agenda on Early Childhood, the day has raised $2.4 million to assist more than 400 children.
“These past two years have amplified how important it is for our children and our workforce to have quality early childhood education opportunities,” said Alec Gorynski, president of the Lincoln Community Foundation. “As a working parent myself, I appreciate the value of reliable childcare. Our community is facing unprecedented workforce challenges and ensuring every family can access childcare is one way we can address this issue.”
The community can make online donations now through February 9 at 11:59 p.m. at LincolnLittles.org.
“Every child in Lincoln deserves quality early education,” said Anne Brandt, executive director of Lincoln Littles. “Unfortunately, due to the economic impact of the pandemic, not every child, family, or childcare worker is feeling stable right now.”
The Lincoln Littles initiative strives to create equal opportunities for all children in Lincoln to learn and grow in their early years. Access to high-quality early childhood experiences enables children to be kindergarten-ready and to develop into successful community citizens. The National Chamber of Commerce Foundation says that quality early childhood education is important for today’s workforce as well as preparing the future workforce.
Matching Fund Sponsors: The Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Acklie Charitable Foundation, Harbor of Dreams, Inc., Mae Whitmer Early Childhood Fund, Bettenhausen Family Foundation, Drs. Bob & Stacie Bleicher, Rosalind K. Carr in memory of Professor James D. Carr, Shirley & Jerry Daugherty, Barbara Hoppe & Bruce Johnson, Kile & Virginia Johnson, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. Good Times Foundation, Kidwell Electric, Inc., Lincoln Industries, Robert & Cynthia Milligan, Drs. Marilyn & David Moore, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, Drs. Bob & Lisa Rauner, Sue & Al Saathoff, Rhonda Seacrest, Dr. Bob & Dottie Shapiro, Tom & Lisa Smith, Tom & Susan Tallman, Temme Family Foundation, Sue & Ed Tricker, Dr. Eileen & Richard Vautravers and Ross & Judy Wilcox.